Sawadii

I have so many things that pop up in my mind to write about but have had this sense of things needing to go in chronological order – which created this block on getting something up about The Wedding. Somehow I got stuck at the day before (the last post). Meanwhile over the past few months I've been working persistently on an endeavor that's been on my mind and in my dreams for some years now. Between that and the day job – and a my family both here and in the US it seems the day and weeks are all so full and fast like the swarms of motorbikes zipping in and out of Bangkok traffic. I'm dizzy with the possibilities of things I want to do.

So about that wedding; It was such as wonderful day – and so much fun that it seems it needs something monumental in terms of a story. Meanwhile there are over a thousand pictures to sort through and so many good memories to share. And you my dear readers have better things to do that listen to hours of what was so special to me – although the form of blog does give you the polite exit of clicking to other points on the horizon that perhaps dinner at my house and looking at photo albums on the sofa might not. So consider yourself spared.

But the wedding was indeed wonderful. And if I have more than a thousand pictures and a picture is worth a thousand words why don't I save you reading a million words and send you over to my friend Suppawat's web site and see the pictures he took. It tells the story well from the morning preparation, to my friends from Bangkok assembling outside the village for our morning parade to Meow's family home, where I paid bribes to get pairs of people with chains to get into the house. In the house at Meow's bedroom door I paid more do have her come out – only to have a ladyboy with hideous makeup come out to my surprise and everyone's laughter. But alas the beautiful bride did come out and we had a lovely celebration. Monk's chanted and gave us lectures on being married. (which included such important spiritual advice as to remind me to buy Meow a new dress from time to time). Family and friends poured blessed water on our hands and tied sacred string around our wrists. And we made offerings and well all I can say is my eyes welled up at the wonderfulness of it all, the kindness around me and my bright as fireworks new bride.

After all that we rested some and I had a massage and waited for the evening party. It was wonderful – except perhaps at the moment when I didn't think we had enough beer, the music went off due to power problems and the rain started. There we were, more than one hundred guests had already arrived and we were outdoors receiving them in the light rain while I watched the sound crew try to hot wire the power from a power pole with the light of a motorcycle while a cousin showed up with four bottles of beer to feed the multitudes – as if Jesus had come to perform yet another miracle. Disaster was everywhere. We retreated to our house across the street where Meow's family realized we forgot to make an offering to the spirit of the land and soon there was incense burning and Meow showing more devotion than I've ever seen. In moments, the rain stopped, the music started and more beer showed up – along with over four hundred people. We had a totally rocking Thai band with a dozen dancers and it was just so much fun. What a most amazing day – one of the very, very best in my life.

And that was that and now I'm happily married.

And that writer's block behind me what's next? Well my dear friends I need to take a break from blogging. This little enterprise I'm working developing on the side is taking all my spare time and juice for now and, along with my day job, needs my focus. As does my family here in Thailand and the US. I've enjoyed sharing a little about Thailand, my life here and some glimpses into me – all tossed up in what I hope you found was a spicy stir fry of a story. I'll be back as there are so many stories to tell and a cast of characters longer than the tail of a long-tail boat on Thai rivers. Perhaps fiction will be the next phase so I can share the essence of it all while little leaving both the innocent and guilty unsullied by my narrative and give you my dear friends; the real story…

Meanwhile my love affair with Thailand, and especially Bangkok, grows by the day. Bangkok for me is the most magical mix of utter grittiness and up and coming home-grown cosmopolitan. It's a huge city with the heart of the Thai village in hundreds of small streets and thousand of sidewalk vendors. It sensual and sexy enough to make me almost cry and in the early daylight hours when orange robed monks seek alms and in the quiet moments making offerings in countless temples I do cry – for everything that has come my way and blessed me with all of you and all of this. This is my home.

As I exit off stage right I must say a few important and heartfelt thank yous.

First I want to thank Brenda my coach the past six months. She's asked a few simple rhetorical questions such as "Why can't you have what you dream?" In a scenario where "It's not possible" is not among the multiple-choice questions she driven me dream the dreams, articulate them to my satisfaction and send me off with a To Do list to make them real. As you will see and as things unfold it's an alchemy of sorts to find my philosophers' stone.

To my family – all of you, thanks so much for your love and for being such an important part of my life. You are always there when I need you and always in my heart. To my two lovely children Alex & Cory you are my pride and my pleasure and always a joy in my heart. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and wish we could see each other more – and that's in the plan so stay tuned. Little Cody, who tries this man in the middle years patience at times, clearly you are sent here as a blessing to teach me new and valuable things – thanks for that and it's going to be a fun adventure.

And dear Meow the rising sunshine in my life you continue to surprise and delight me with your sharp wit and gentle nature. You're like the best of Thai cuisine – searing spicy, a little sour, a bit of sweet and full of a life of color and flavor.

Lastly thanks to all of you, my friends in many places, who have read my blog, posted comments and encouraged me. It's been my delight to flatter myself that I've entertained you a bit. There is more to tell but for now let's slip in the book mark, close the dog-eared pages on this chapter and lay the story book aside for now.

Comments

[Ron]

Ouch, the day after took almost two months and you are leaving again. Thanks for the blog, a nice scrapbook of the possible.

I hope you can come back soon and give us the benefit of learning how you have worked it out to hold together in both worlds, east and west.

Ray

[Derek]

Hi Ray,

Thanks for the comment - it's very much appreciated. You inspire me to come back soon and I will. There are so many stories to tell.

Tonight turning into our soi after dinner there was an acident - a motor cycle flat on the road and 25 feet away the driver spread-eagle on the road, blood pooling to his side and thank God a helment on his head. (at least I hope this helped). It was one of those moments in Thailand - sure this happens everywhere, but so many motorbikes, so many children on motorbikes without helments, it's just so different and it makes me wonder about so many, many things.

So sure - I'll be back. You can count on it! Thanks again and drop me an email from time to time

Derek

[Jason Dunn]

Derek,
I've been a silent observer of your blog for many months now, and it's always been an interesting read. Your talent as a writer is impressive, because there are few personal blogs that I take the time to read - I always enjoy reading your words. Congratulations on getting married, I wish you a lifetime of happiness.

All the Best,

Jason Dunn
www.jasondunn.com

[Chin]

wow - now i get what's been keeping you busy! congrats! sounds like you're having quite an adventure in Thailand and enjoying every bit of it too. thanks for keeping in touch and Brenda sounds like she is a wonderful listening for you, would love to chat with her as love is a driving force amongst my ventures as of recent so i can relate :) cheers creating what sounds like a whole new life for both of you!

[Nat V]

Your blog is really a wonderful,
I've never seen such a Farang understanding
amiring Thai like you,
Your Family is very cute.